How Can You Use Your Talents to Make a Difference? 🐾
About 20 years ago, I attended a photography workshop in Kelowna, BC that left a lasting impression on me. One of the instructors had a unique birthday tradition: each year, she would draw a piece of paper from a jar filled with creative project ideas she hoped to pursue. Whatever she pulled out became her focus for the year. I’ll share her story as best as I remember it.
That year, the slip she drew said: photograph a large trucking company and its employees. Inspired, she arranged a meeting with the company’s executives to pitch her idea, emphasizing that the project wouldn’t cost them anything. But the response was lukewarm—they didn’t understand her vision. The answer was no.
Undeterred, she tried again. And again, they refused. They expressed concern that a photographer on-site would be a safety risk and a distraction in such a hazardous environment, filled with heavy equipment and welding.
Despite understanding their concerns, she was determined to see the project through. On her next attempt, she assured them she would follow all safety protocols and respect any limitations they set. Reluctantly, they agreed and gave her limited access.
When the day came, she was nervous but ready. She began photographing employees at their workstations, capturing the grit, grime, and sheer determination in their expressions. At first, the workers were hesitant. But week after week, she kept showing up—and eventually, they barely noticed her presence. She also photographed the facility itself, and management ended up using some of her images for promotional purposes.
At the end of the project, she compiled a collection of striking black-and-white portraits, each one highlighting the hard-earned stories etched on the faces of the workers. When she presented them to the same skeptical executives, they were truly impressed by her work and so were the employees.
Not long after, in 2002, the company was bought out and that division shut down, laying off hundreds. Then someone had a remarkable idea: turn the images into a book. Just before the plant closed for good, management gave each employee a copy as a thank-you for their dedication. What a powerful legacy.
That story really stuck with me. It got me thinking… what kind of project could I take on that might make a difference?
As a lifelong animal lover, the answer felt obvious. I wanted to do something for the local SPCA to help raise money for the shelter. Of course, I procrastinated for quite a while, but the idea never left me. Eventually, I mustered the courage to walk into the SPCA office and pitch my idea.
One thing led to another, and I was introduced to a young volunteer who worked with the animals. Together, we began organizing little photo sessions: she would bring one dog at a time into the yard, and I’d photograph them running, playing, and just being themselves. It was pure joy—for me, for the volunteer, and most of all, for the dogs.
Soon I was photographing all kinds of animals—cats, rabbits, even mice. I printed and framed many of the portraits to brighten the shelter walls. I also started selling prints of the animals many purchased by the new owners, with all proceeds going directly to the SPCA. It was a hit.
With my background in graphic design, I eventually joined the executive team to help with advertising. That led to designing posters, creating ads, and supplying images for their social media.
What started as a small idea became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, all from combining my passion for animals with my love for photography.
So now I ask you…
What project could you start? How can you use your talents to make a difference?
You never know where one idea might take you. SO… GO FOR IT.
